♊ Book Review: Zodiac Academy: The Awakening by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
A dark, addictive bully romance set in a magical academy where astrology rules your powers—and survival is anything but guaranteed.
Book 1 in the wildly popular Zodiac Academy series, The Awakening introduces readers to a brutal, fantastical world filled with elemental magic, supernatural creatures, and relentless rivalries. With a solid Goodreads rating of 3.82/5 from over 375,000 readers, this novel has become a cult favorite among fans of dark academia and romantasy.
🧠 Plot Overview
Twins Darcy and Tory Vega are shocked to discover they’re not just orphans from the human world—they’re Fae royalty, heirs to a powerful throne in the magical kingdom of Solaria. But claiming their birthright means surviving Zodiac Academy, a ruthless school where your star sign determines your elemental powers—and your enemies.
As the rarest Elementals ever born, the Vega twins can harness all four elements: air, fire, water, and earth. That makes them a threat to the reigning Celestial Heirs—four dangerously attractive, vindictive boys who will stop at nothing to drive them out before the lunar eclipse. Vampires, dragon shifters, sirens, and werewolves roam the halls, and the faculty is as corrupt as the students. The twins must fight to survive, uncover their legacy, and claim the throne that’s rightfully theirs.
💬 Why Readers Love It
- Enemies-to-Lovers Tension: The dynamic between the Vega twins and the Celestial Heirs is packed with angst, attraction, and emotional warfare.
- Astrology-Based Magic System: Each character’s star sign influences their powers and personality, adding a unique twist to the fantasy setting.
- Dark Academia Vibes: The school is dangerous, seductive, and morally gray—think Harry Potter meets Cruel Intentions.
- Found Family & Sisterhood: Darcy and Tory’s bond is central to the story, offering emotional grounding amid the chaos.
⚠️ Content Notes
- Bullying and physical violence are frequent and intense
- Themes of trauma, manipulation, and power imbalance
- Mature content and dark romantic elements
📣 Reader Reactions
- “It’s outrageous, messy, and completely addictive.”
- “The bullying is relentless, but the worldbuilding and character arcs kept me hooked.”
- “Darcy and Tory are flawed but fierce—watching them grow is half the fun.”
Some readers found the cruelty excessive and the pacing uneven, but many praised the immersive world and emotional investment the series demands.
🏁 Final Verdict
Zodiac Academy: The Awakening is a bold, chaotic entry into a sprawling romantasy universe. If you enjoy morally gray characters, magical school drama, and slow-burn romance with bite, this series opener will pull you in—and refuse to let go.
